Case Number:

ON/1371/22

Mason Opie-Palmer #3, Hull FC

Competition:

Reserves Championship

Match:

Hull FC v Huddersfield Giants

Match Date:

2022-07-23

Incident:

Dangerous Throw

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (d)
Dangerous Throw - throwing player into the ground
Grade D

Fine:

£50

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 28 July 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(d) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 39 01. In the Panel’s opinion you lifted and then threw your opponent into the ground so that they landed or their head and neck area. The Panel believe that your actions were unnecessary, against the spirit of the game and had the potential to injure your opponent.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence in breach of Law 15.1(d) – Dangerous Throw - Throwing player into ground

The normal suspension range for such offence is 3-5 matches.

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in the Hull FC and Huddersfield Reserves match.
• The footage shows the player initially make contact with the opponent from a side on position with his teammate contacting the opponent front on.
• The opponent carries through contact and is driving the player and his team mate backwards.
• The player then manoeuvrers his right leg in front of the opponent.
• The player’s teammate at this stage is not adding any weight to the tackle.
• Mr Opie-Palmer then proceeds to throw the opponent over his leg.
• The opponent lands on his head and neck first upon contacting the ground.
• Opponent is completely vulnerable due to the actions of Mr Opie-Palmer.
• Potential for serious injury.

Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Player not able to attend but pleads guilty via statements from the club

Statements sent in from James Clark (CEO), the player and also a character reference from Pete Riding (Head of Youth).

Club believe that the players actions were not deliberate or intentional but came about due to poor technique.

It was not a deliberate act to injure an opponent and the player understands the high standards that are expected of players at this level.

The player also expresses genuine remorse and his previous record highlights that he is not a player who is often found guilty of foul play. He character references demonstrate what a good young professional he is.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Graded D due to;
- Vulnerability of the opponent.
- The highly dangerous action of the player.
- The potentially serious implications that a tackle of this nature may have. No mitigation that the opponent did not sustain an injury.
- Players have a duty of care to their opponent.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal note the submissions made by both sides and have also watched the footage several times.

They are in agreement that this was a Dangerous Throw and was reckless but agree with the club that this came about due to poor technique.

The panel note the players plea of guilt and also the remorse he has shown since. They believe that the player had no intention to cause injury to his opponent.

Taking the above into account the player the panel feel they can go to the lower end of the grading which means the player is suspended for 3-matches. He will also be fined £50.

Suspension:

3 matches